What people are saying about Russ

Patrick Richardson, PGA | Westerfield Club, Tuscaloosa, AL

I do not know one PGA member I trust more with the future of our association than Russ Libby. He has a deep commitment to work for the good of individual members and groups of members that make up Chapters and Sections. He has a proven record of excellence as a golf professional, Chapter leader, Section leader, Board of Control member, and District Director. His vast leadership experience has prepared him for this moment in our Association’s history. I enthusiastically endorse Russ Libby to be our next Secretary of the PGA of America.

Trey Van Dyke, PGA | Cog Hill Golf & Country Club, Lamont, IL

While many golf professionals in our association have served as elected leaders at a high level, Russ Libby stands out as someone who not only leads effectively but also brings people together to reach consensus for the betterment of our association. Over the years, he has consistently proven to be a strong advocate for what we do as golf professionals at the local, regional, and national levels. I am proud to endorse Russ Libby for Secretary of the PGA of America.

PGA of America Board Member, 2016-2019

Georgia PGA Past President

PGA Board of Control, 2013-2017

Illinois PGA Past President

Matt Jordan, MPGA | The Olympic Club, San Francisco, CA

It has been my pleasure to know and work with Russ Libby for more than 20 years in the North Florida PGA Section. Russ has served the PGA of America in every possible way, including being Section President and as a District Director and National Board Member. He can do it all — host, serve, teach, speak and play. He is a leader in the community. Russ is just the right age, with success at every level, to get elected as an Officer of the PGA of America in November of 2026.

Duke Butler, PGA | Texas PGA Golf Hall of Fame, 1986; North Florida PGA Hall of Fame, 2026

I had the great honor of serving alongside Russ Libby as a section officer at the North Florida PGA. During my time there, I found Russ to be a passionate advocate for the game of golf and its professionals. He is well spoken, thoughtful, and brings a steady, inclusive leadership style that earns trust and builds consensus. Russ consistently leads with integrity, clear communication, and a genuine commitment to advancing the PGA and its members. He is the clear choice as our next Secretary of our Association.

Nick Papadakes, PGA | Onwentsia Club, Lake Forest, IL

I served with Russ as a member of the Board of Control for three years. During this period I saw Russ’s dedication to the PGA member and the PGA of America. All of his decisions were always well thought out. Always to protect the PGA badge and the PGA of America. Russ has served in every capacity as a PGA member from Chapter and Section Board Member and Officer, some positions multiple terms. Russ also served as a PGA National Board Member and has chaired and been a member on multiple committees. As Secretary he will be a leader in the Board of Control room with his experience as a former Board of Control member.

Russ is also highly respected in his community, where he has volunteered his time to coach the Bolles Boys Golf Team, which won a State Championship. Russ has also been a leader in promoting tourism in the Jacksonville area. His position at Hidden Hills allows him to represent the PGA of America in the highest regard. Russ will also work well with his fellow officers, as he is a team player. The most important support he will receive will be from his family, who are 100 percent behind his candidacy to be the next Secretary of the PGA of America.

Kyle Heyen, PGA | Retired Life Member

I had the opportunity to work with Russ Libby at Sawgrass Country Club, where I saw firsthand his commitment to the game of golf, his team and the PGA of America. His years of service speak for themselves, but what stands out most is his consistent dedication to the men and women of the PGA.

Russ is a steady and genuine leader who leads by example and puts others first. He has always been committed to helping people grow and that's something I experienced personally through his mentorship. I'm grateful for the impact he's had on me personally and professionally. Much of who I am is a direct result of his guidance and friendship.

Russ is someone you respect for his leadership, his professionalism and the way he carries himself both at work and in his personal life. I fully support Russ as our next secretary of The PGA of America and believe he will serve the membership with the same integrity and commitment he has shown throughout his career.

Board of Control, 2008-2012

Board of Directors, 2014-2017

PGA Hall of Fame, 2021

PGA of America Professional Development Award, 2023

Illinois PGA President, 2020

Stephen E. Nacewicz, PGA | Crestwood Golf Club, Marcy, NY

I have known Russ Libby for 35 years. I had hired him to work on my team at a busy Orlando resort operation as our Tournament Coordinator. He was a star; his personality, reliability, and attention to detail made his performance reviews uncomplicated. His love of the game was strong. He had big plans.

Russ Libby 2026 is a PGA Professional with the experience, character and vision equal to the challenge of eight years of leadership. He will be a great team mate. You will watch his spirit to serve in action, sense his instinctive ability to steer the ship in rough waters, and understand his foundation in the core values we need to embrace as an organization to reach our full potential.

Tony Austin, PGA | Retired Life Member

Russ is a consummate PGA Professional with over a quarter century of service to the NFPGA, PGA of America, and fellow PGA Members across our 41 Sections. He has remained involved in growth of the game, inclusion and diversity programs. He has been in governance in chapter, section and national levels, including time served on both the PGA of America Board of Control and as a National Board Member.

In my humble opinion when you look up the meaning and definition of what our next PGA of America Secretary should be, it is described by how Russ has lived his life both on and off the golf course. I give my full support of Russ Libby, PGA as our Association’s next Secretary.

Past PGA Director, District 13

Past President, NFPGA

CNY PGA President, 2014-2016

CNY PGA Hall of Fame, 2020

Dennis Walters, PGA |

I have known Russ Libby for many years and consider him to be extremely qualified for the role of a National Officer for The PGA of America. I have known many national PGA Presidents and Officers and am certain that Russ would be one of the best if he is elected. He cares about what matters the most — representing PGA professionals and associates, the game, and our Championships to the highest degree! I support his candidacy one hundred percent and urge anyone looking for the Best candidate to do the same.

I have known Russ through PGA Governance for the last 20 years and he truly is the consummate PGA Member who puts Members first in everything he does. He is driven by what he can do to make the PGA Members, Sections, and Chapters better. Russ is truly committed in being PGA Member-centric in everything the Association does.

Mark VanDyk, PGA | The Golf Club at Via Mizner, Boca Raton, FL

PGA Board of Directors, 2019-2022

South Florida PGA President, 2015-2017

World Golf Hall of Fame and PGA of America Hall of Fame

Mike Miller, PGA | Big Canoe Golf Course, Big Canoe, GA

In an ever-changing world, experience matters. Russ Libby has experience at the golf course, in the board room and in representing the PGA at a national level.

Cathy Harbin, MPGA | President, National Golf Course Owners of America

Russ has been a leader, mentor and, most importantly, a friend during my time as a Section Officer. His leadership in District 13, along with his knowledge and love of The PGA of America, makes Russ Libby the perfect person to be our next Secretary.

Giving of himself selflessly, consistently, and without fanfare is makes Russ Libby the obvious choice to me for our next Secretary. Every candidate is qualified, but to be as well versed in PGA Governance, Membership Issues and the Budgetary/Financial condition of our Association is what sets Russ apart. He has a depth of knowledge that will greatly benefit and protect our most important asset, the PGA Member, and he will be able to navigate and shape the future of The PGA of America and the golf industry in the years to come.

Jim Dorman, PGA | Greenville Golf & Country Club, Greenville, MS

PGA of America Board Member 2015-2018

Gulf States PGA Past President

Bill Hughes, MPGA | Glen Kernan Club, Jacksonville, FL

Russ has been a dedicated leader and mentor in the North Florida PGA for more than 30 years, serving in every capacity with a steadfast commitment to supporting fellow PGA Professionals and strengthening our network. His depth of experience, collaborative leadership style, and passion for service make him well prepared to meet the challenges ahead. Russ is ready to serve the membership and continue advancing and growing the game of golf.

Matt Borocz, PGA | TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

Russ Libby is among the finest PGA Professionals—and finest men—I’ve had the privilege to know. He embodies everything the PGA of America stands for: integrity, passion, and an unwavering commitment to elevating the game and those who play it. A devoted husband, father, mentor, and businessman, Russ leads with purpose and heart. No one represents the values and spirit of the PGA more authentically than Russ Libby.

Bill Strausbaugh Award, 2015

President, North Florida PGA

Len Dumas, PGA | President, California Alliance for Golf

Russ Libby is a steady, thoughtful leader who understands the responsibility behind the role of Secretary. He communicates with clarity, respects the governance process, and approaches decisions with sound judgment. Just as important, he will remain focused on serving the PGA Members and representing their best interests ahead of his own. Russ is a humble, trusted leader who will represent the PGA of America well and has my full support for Secretary of the PGA.

Tom Wildenhaus, MPGA | Olde Florida Golf Club, Naples, FL

How fortunate and grateful I am to know and have collaborated with Russ Libby these past twenty years, and now support his candidacy for Secretary of the PGA of America. From project and idea development to our numerous discussions regarding the role of PGA Professionals in the great game of golf, Russ has always exhibited passion, empathy, foresight, the want to listen and serve as a resource as we progress as an Association and industry.

Executive Director, Northern California PGA, 2018-2025

South Florida PGA Past President

I’m proud to endorse Russ Libby, PGA for Secretary of the PGA of America. I’ve known Russ for more than 25 years, and throughout that time he has consistently demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to serving PGA of America Golf Professionals. He listens, leads with purpose, and always puts the good of the Association first. Russ has the experience and character to help guide our organization forward.

Kennie Sims, PGA | First Tee - Tampa Bay

Russ is the consummate professional. His consensus-driven servant leadership style is approachable and trusted at every level. Known for his steady, consistent leadership, he strengthened Florida’s First Coast of Golf when he served as Chairman of the Board by establishing a reserve policy to ensure long-term stability while positioning the organization for future opportunities.

Dave Reese | President, Florida's First Coast of Golf